Rankings / By State
Best Psychology Colleges in Oregon
- 18
- Schools
- $60,678
- Avg. Earnings
- 62%
- Avg. Graduation
- $23,695
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,916
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $48,917 at the low end to $82,804 at the top. That 1.7× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Portland State University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $57,906 against $9,552 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, Portland State University at $9,552 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $57,906, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Portland graduates 80% of its students, well above the 62% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Portland: graduates owe only 0.26× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Portland State University ($9,552/yr) and Lewis & Clark College ($36,013/yr) produce graduates earning $57,906 and $62,205 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $26,461 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Portland State University outperforms University of Portland: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: University of Portland graduates 80% of its students versus 40% at Eastern Oregon University. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Portland State University and University of Portland. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $61K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Portland #1 overall | $82,804 ▲ +36% vs avg | $28,210 | 80% | 69 |
| 2 Lewis & Clark College #2 overall | $62,205 ▲ +3% vs avg | $36,013 | 73% | 69 |
| 3 Portland State University #3 overall | $57,906 ▼ -5% vs avg | $9,552 | 53% | 67 |
| $72,273 ▲ +19% vs avg | $15,706 | 56% | 67 | |
| $61,324 ▲ +1% vs avg | $22,182 | 72% | 66 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Psychology Colleges in Oregon
This analysis ranks 18 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $60,678 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 62% and an average net price of $23,695.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Portland State University — Net Price: $9,552 | Graduation Rate: 53%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Portland — 80% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Portland — Median alumni earnings: $82,804
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$60,172
Median earnings (10yr)
66%
Median graduation rate
$23,652
Median net price
1.5%
Avg. mobility rate
Demand for mental-health and social-service professionals keeps rising, driven by greater awareness of mental-health needs, an aging population, and expanding access to services. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The social return is high and the financial return is capped, which makes program cost the most important variable in the value equation.
Start with the medians across these 18 schools. Graduates earn a median of $60,172 ten years after enrollment, or about $12,172 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 66%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $23,652 a year with about $21,435 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 28% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.5%.
In human services, the cost of the degree matters as much as the career that follows it. Median earnings of roughly $60,172 and a net price of about $23,652 leave little room for heavy borrowing. Graduates who keep debt minimal do best in a field where the rewards are primarily social rather than financial.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Portland lands at #1 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $82,804 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,210 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Lewis & Clark College lands at #2 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $62,205 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,013 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Portland State University lands at #3 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $57,906 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,552 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Oregon Institute of Technology lands at #4 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (69/100). Graduates earn a median $72,273 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,706 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Oregon lands at #5 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $61,324 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,182 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Southern Oregon University lands at #6 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $49,175 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,732 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Reed College lands at #7 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $62,927 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,013 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Oregon State University lands at #8 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $64,010 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,604 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Corban University lands at #9 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $48,917 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,035 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Willamette University lands at #10 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $56,911 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,121 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Linfield University lands at #11 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $78,638 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,536 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Western Oregon University lands at #12 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $51,815 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,237 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Warner Pacific University lands at #13 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $55,204 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,629 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Pacific University lands at #14 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $60,583 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,273 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Eastern Oregon University lands at #15 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $50,112 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,148 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
George Fox University lands at #16 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $59,761 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $31,679 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Oregon State University-Cascades Campus lands at #17 with a 58/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $64,010 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,048 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Bushnell University lands at #18 with a 56/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (34/100). Graduates earn a median $53,623 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,789 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 18 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering a degree in psychology, choosing the right college can significantly impact your future. In Oregon, there are 17 institutions offering psychology programs, each with unique strengths. Whether you're looking for solid earnings post-graduation or a supportive environment to foster your academic growth, understanding these schools is key.
What sets the top psychology colleges apart in Oregon? It's all about outcomes that truly matter: earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and mobility. The schools on this list have been ranked based on these factors, providing a clearer picture of what you can expect after graduation. Higher earnings and lower debt often correlate with better job prospects, making this data invaluable for students and families weighing their options.
Take the Oregon Institute of Technology and the University of Portland, for example. While the Oregon Institute of Technology offers average earnings of $72,273 with a graduation rate of 56%, the University of Portland stands out with higher earnings at $82,804 and an impressive graduation rate of 80%. This contrast highlights the importance of not just the numbers, but the overall college experience and its impact on future success.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 15 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.5%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Oregon Institute of Technology leads the group at 3.5%, with Portland State University (2%) and Eastern Oregon University (2%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 5.7% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Eastern Oregon University enrolls the most, at 10.6%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 27.5% across the list, peaking at 52.4% at Willamette University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.60, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Lewis & Clark College is highest at 1.78.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Looking deeper into the data, we see a significant pattern between Lewis & Clark College and Portland State University. While Lewis & Clark graduates earn an average of $62,205 with a graduation rate of 73%, Portland State's graduates earn $57,906 with a lower graduation rate of 53%. This illustrates how higher graduation rates can contribute to stronger earnings, emphasizing the importance of a supportive academic environment.
Now that you’ve explored the rankings, consider your own priorities. Are you leaning towards a school with a higher graduation rate, or is affordability your primary concern? Think about location, campus culture, and program fit as well. Each of these factors will play a crucial role in your overall college experience and future career.
Ultimately, the choice of college can significantly shape your life post-graduation. A degree in psychology can lead to various career paths, but as data shows, those who graduate from schools with high completion rates and lower debt levels tend to have more stable financial futures. One informed decision can pave the way for a better life for you and your family.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Psychology Colleges in Oregon: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Psychology Colleges in Oregon ranking? +
University of Portland in Portland, OR ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Psychology Colleges in Oregon ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $82,804 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 80% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Portland posts the highest median earnings on this list: $82,804 ten years after enrollment, well above the $60,678 average across the 18 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Portland State University leads: graduates earn a median $57,906 against net price of about $9,552 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Portland has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 80%, compared with a 62% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $23,695 a year across the 18 ranked schools with cost data. Portland State University is among the most affordable at roughly $9,552. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Psychology Colleges in Oregon ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 18 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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